By Trevor Wenners
Assistant Director of Sports Information
Helping others is second nature to Nia Johnson.
Johnson suits up for the LaGrange College women's basketball team and studies political science. The time that she devotes to those two areas exceeds most full-time jobs.
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She has more than a full plate to juggle, but that has not stopped her from being a pillar in the community. In August, Johnson started volunteering at the Active Life Center in LaGrange and as a Servant Scholar for the weekly LC student-run soup kitchen, Our Daily Bread.
"Nia is the perfect role model for any young athlete," said first-year LaGrange College women's basketball head coach Jasen Jonus. "Nia works hard on the court and in the classroom and is full of positive energy. She is devoted to the team's success over any personal agendas. She has taken great initiative in the community and has changed countless lives. We are lucky to have her at LaGrange College and she has a bright future."
The Active Life Center is a recreational facility for adults 55 years of age and older. Johnson teaches computer classes and helps the residents use cellphones and social media.
"My favorite class was when I helped someone set up a new phone," said Johnson. "I taught him how to use all the features and set up his contacts. In that lesson, I helped someone connect a hearing aid to the phone, so the person could control the volume. The things that mean the most to me are the relationships that I have built with the members and I will cherish those forever."
Johnson checks people into the building and hosts tournaments. Additionally, the Commerce, Georgia, native combines her competitive spirit and love for basketball with her daily responsibilities.
"My favorite tournament was when my site director decided to do a free-throw shooting competition," said Johnson. "It was so much fun being able to play alongside the members and my directors."
During the 2020 holiday season, Johnson spearheaded a campaign among the Active Life Center members, the Black Student Union (BSU) and her teammates to get Christmas gifts for children. Along with her support system, she donated socks and purchased gifts.
"Serving has always been a big part of my life and I am grateful to give back and help such an amazing organization," said Johnson. "I have only been serving at the Active Life Center for a few months, but everyone there is considered family. I have many amazing memories that I have made over the months and cannot wait to make more next semester."
Johnson often donates her time on Fridays at Our Daily Bread. Along with her cohort members and the senior cohort, she works in the soup kitchen and prepares food.
Johnson maintains an impressive 3.89 GPA and earned USA South Academic All-Conference honors for 2019-20. As a basketball player, the 6-foot-2 junior forward pulled down a career-high nine rebounds in 14 minutes off the bench during a 66-26 triumph over Toccoa Falls on Feb. 6, 2020.
"Johnson has accomplished some great things on the court, and we see a bright future for her in our system," said Jonus. "What truly defines Johnson's character is all that she does off the court."
Trevor Wenners can be reached at twenners@lagrange.edu.
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